It's becoming more obvious that Rick
Kriseman -- the mayor of Charlie Crist's hometown -- is holding down the fort
for Crist's re-election in the 'Burg. That Kriseman has higher political
aspirations is a given, and Crist can make him a star in dysfunctional
Tallahassee. Kriseman never knew stardom when he served as an underperforming
state rep, and now is his chance. When Kriseman hired expensive new staff
members at city hall, it was a no-brainer that Kriseman (likely in consultation
with Crist's re-election team) settled on King-Kirby-Kanika who had no
qualifications for administering municipal government, but instead were
ambitious political campaigners.

It's highly unlikely Kriseman is still undecided about his choice, and more
likely he reached the decision long ago. Here's why it's painfully obvious that
Rick Kriseman will announce Jerry Geier as the next St. Petersburg Police Chief.

The headhunter firm which rounded up police chief applicants (Mercer Group) has
a reputation for hooking up old cronies. Combined with Kriseman's overt and
covert political wheeling 'n' dealing, and his Crist suck-up-ism make this a
fair conclusion -- that Kriseman and Crist settled on Geier before the search
for a new chief even began.

Furthermore, the political climate in Geier's hometown of Goodyear, Arizona,
isn't conducive to his continued employment. The citizenry is grumbling loudly
about his poor leadership at Goodyear PD, and have been for some time. The
in-your-face reporting by The Arizona Republic (12 News) made the
Goodyear city council wince. Scandal creates negative publicity, and
politicians are allergic to it. The people of Goodyear reckoned a long time ago
that Geier was on the way out. In fact, Geier's next-in-command already has one
foot in the door to replace Geier.

Still, Geier couldn't just abruptly walk out the door. His movements in Arizona
(which shall remain secret for the time being) indicate he intended to move to
St. Petersburg some time ago. However, the city of Goodyear needed to
transition him out to save face and buck up against lawsuits. That's why it's
taken so long.

So what or who is the real hang up? Goliath Davis, Deputy Mayor Tomlin, Kevin King or Geier himself?

How about at least an update Mr. Mayor?

E-mail Doc at: dr.webb@verizon.net. Or send me a Facebook (Gene Webb) Friend request. Please
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Disclosures: Contributor to No Tax for Tracks. Meet me at the No Tax for Tracks Kick off
Rally, July 20 in Palm Harbor